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What To Look For In Water Filter Test...
Testing Water Filter Efficiency Water filtration is a science - an exact, researched method for filtering out minuscule contaminants from drinking water. The success of this research - and the credibility of Doulton Water Filters - is borne out by stringent, but importantly, lengthy tests that prove that the ceramic candles used in Doulton Water Filters continue to offer absolute filtration day after day, week after week, month after month. The only way the long-standing performance value of a water filter can be accurately measured is with a long-standing test. This takes time. These tests also reveal how long a ceramic water filter candle can maintain absolute filtration before it needs to be replaced. Check out our water solutions now! A guaranteed lifespan The facts and figures related to these tests are what give Doulton Water Filters their deserved reputation - and what guarantees customers are getting what that pay for: a filter that reduces up to 99.99% of contaminants for its lifespan. That is our standard and we will never settle for less than the best. Yet consumers need to be aware of differing standards in tests that prove the effectiveness of a water filter. We all know that a snapshot of a film does not give the full story, so too with water filter tests. A snapshot test where contaminants are concentrated through a water filter in a very short space of time cannot give an accurate reading of a filter's long-term effectiveness. Time matters In the industry, this is known as "short term cocktail testing". It may give an indication of a filter's short-term performance but cannot indicate how that will be maintained over a period of time - or signal when a water filter should be replaced. When considering claims of a water filter's effectiveness through test results the most revealing facts can be those that are left out. Operating under pressure Always check the recommended flow rate or the flow that a filter has been tested to. How fast the water flows is a really important factor in testing a filter's efficiency. Testing at a low flow rate, allows the filter media more time in contact with the water, resulting in a greater filtration efficiency. However, the customer may want to run the filter at a higher flow rate which may result in lower quality water than advertised for the filter. Other important factors that should not be missing from a test report are the level of contaminants, and the volume of water filtered - these will both have a significant impact on efficiency findings. Wherever possible always opt for a system that has been tested to an industry-standard method, where meaningful levels of contamination and clear end of life capacities are used. Customers need to be assured that the water filter they have chosen will perform consistently throughout the recommended service life. They also need to know when they need to replace it to ensure that they will continue to have full protection. Cutting corners diminishes quality and trust, always look at the bigger picture when considering claims made about a water filter's capacity. Choose quality Doulton Water Filters have been in production for almost 200 years - we know there can be no compromise when it comes to quality. When testing the effectiveness of our water filters we use stringent tests to account for all levels of use and to pinpoint how long the ceramic candles will provide absolute filtration. There is no comparison between short-term testing and comprehensive testing. Don't take a chance with the quality of your drinking water, let the facts speak for themselves, choose a Doulton water filter. Check out our water solutions now!
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Giardia - What Is It & Why Is...
Giardia is one of the most common water contaminants despite the word being unfamiliar to many. Carried in cyst-form it enters waterways and, through a variety of ways, can cause an unpleasant stomach illness when ingested. Check out our water solutions now! How does giardia get into drinking water? Giardia parasites infect the intestines of both humans and animals. It enters the water system through infected faeces either through entering the soil, agricultural water run-off, infected sewerage or by people with the bug going swimming. Giardia is filtered with our water filter systems. What are the health risks with giardia? Often people can become infected by giardia (which is also known as giardia lamblia) and display no symptoms, however, it can also cause a debilitating stomach illness. Those infected by the parasite usually develop giardiasis, which causes diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, bloating and weight loss. How seriously people are affected by the symptoms varies but giardiasis can lead to chronic fatigue and dehydration if not treated. The disease often also reoccurs causing bouts of illness that can be months apart - and can last for years. While the illness can be treated with antibiotics this is dependent on getting the disease correctly identified through a medical laboratory test. It is believed that many sufferers are unaware that infection with giardia could be responsible for their symptoms, which have instead been attributed to irritable bowel syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome. How is giardia in drinking water treated? - Giardia Water Filter Giardia is highly resistant to chlorine and chloramine, which are standard disinfectants used to treat municipal drinking water supplies. Instead their removal relies on filtration processes put in place at water processing plants. As the particles are relatively large this is a successful treatment, although also using a drinking water filter at home will offer you an added layer of protection and reassurance. Doulton Water Filters provide absolute filtration - which is less than 1 micron - and will remove up to 99.99% of common contaminants, including giardia. Protection is the best way to guard against the unknown - don't fall victim to giardia; take charge of what is in your drinking water by using a Doulton water filter. Check out our water solutions now!
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Plastic-Free Water is Here! Learn How To Get...
Many commitments to change are made with the beginning of a new year, but one that has real global momentum is a resolution to cut plastic waste. Already, 2018 has seen the Iceland supermarket chain commit to making all its own-brand products plastic-free within five years, while the British Government has proposed plastic-free supermarket aisles as part of a 25-year plan to stop the use of 'avoidable' plastic. Check out our refillable Water Bottles now! While rapid changes are being sought, Doulton Water Filters already offers a sustainable alternative to using plastic water bottles. Environmentalists have known for years that plastic waste is a serious problem - that this material so readily used in so many everyday items is a disaster in waiting for the natural world. Now the world has woken up to that reality. Shocking images of trapped sea life, birds feeding plastic to their young and islands of plastic waste in the world's oceans have grabbed the public's attention. While many resolutions have been made - and no doubt broken - one resolution that needs to go the distance is a commitment to cut out plastic packaging where necessary, particularly single-use plastic. How can I cut back on plastic use? While we know the time for change is overdue, retailers and manufacturers are scrambling for a solution. Plastic is used in toothpaste, cleaning products, and food wrapping - it is everywhere. Committing to cutting back on plastic doesn't have to be an all or nothing approach from day one, making small changes every day will add up to a big difference while solutions are found to transform products reliant on plastic. The Role of Water Filters There is no need to wait for plastic-free aisles to play your part in reducing plastic waste. There are some very easy places to start cutting out plastic packaging and not buying bottled water is the most obvious. While supermarkets - and governments - search for an alternative to plastic packaging, plastic-free water is already easily available thanks to water filters and reusable bottles. Single-use plastics such as water bottles are a major part of the waste problem, just imagine how many bottles of water are consumed and thrown away around the world every day. There is absolutely no need for this. Doulton Water Filters deliver water straight from the tap that is clean and tested to the highest standards to ensure the highest quality. Bottled water costs up to 1,000 times more than tap water, has repeatedly been found to be no healthier. Plastic-Free Water: An Easy Solution Reusable bottles, made with stainless steel or glass, allow people to fill up at home from water filters and take their own top-quality water with them. More water filters would mean fewer plastic bottles - an easy solution that can be put in place quickly. The argument is simple: bottled water costs you, the consumer, more and every bottle you buy adds to the problem of plastic waste. Consumer power drives change and when choice registers at the checkouts, manufacturers will take notice. The developed world certainly does not need water in plastic bottles. Use a water filter and a refillable bottle and play your part in cutting plastic waste now. Check out our refillable Water Bottles now!
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Reasons To Love The Home You Live In
Love the home you live in - that's the message that National Home Improvement Week aims to get out and it's a message Doulton Water Filters fully endorse. Making home improvements, as we all know, is not always straight forward but, with the right advice, making simple adjustments can make a huge difference to our daily lives. The first place to start is taking the time to stop and think what really needs a bit of attention in your home - and that is why National Home Improvement Week is such a great initiative - it makes homeowners stop and think. Check out our water solutions now! What is National Home Improvement Week? Not only that, it gives homeowners plenty of tips and advice on how to get things done and points them in the direction of quality suppliers and firms whose products can make an improvement in their day-to-day life. Doulton Water Filters know that drinking the best quality water is a marker of wellbeing and something all families should have access to. That is the reason Doulton Water Filters has got behind National Home Improvement Week and is proud to be a supporter of the event. Every home deserves the best, and that certainly includes access to great-tasting and clean drinking water. After all it is the simple things that matter at the end of the day – those elements of life that it is too easy to take for granted like a working fire, central heating, a secure home and, of course, fresh drinking water. These essentials still need thought and attention to ensure they are in place and remain in good working order. Taking place from March 12 to 18, the awareness week aims to get people motivated and equipped to get to work around the home during the Easter Holidays, which are a popular time for DIY projects and the annual spring clean. Ahead of National Home Improvement Week, the campaign will seek to encourage people to look at improving their home, or renew their interest in updating their home and garden. This will include highlighting the latest trends on both a consumer and design level and sharing "how to" tips and videos. Improving your home with a water filter With concerns about the use of plastic mounting, Doulton Water Filters offer a permanent, sustainable and environmentally-friendly solution to providing clean drinking water on tap. For environmentally aware consumers who want to take charge of what is in the water they drink, Doulton Water Filters are the perfect solution. Like many other changes that can be made to the home, adding a filter is a home improvement that will directly benefit the wellbeing of you and your family. Love the Home you live in - you deserve it. Check out our water solutions now!
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Raise A Glass of Clean, Drinking Water to...
January is the time for renewal, resolutions and a healthy start - and for many people that means giving up alcohol for the month. Millions of people will be taking part in Dry January this month in a bid to avoid drinking alcohol for 31 days. Started by Alcohol Concern, the Dry January campaign aims to open up a conversation about the effects of drinking alcohol and to highlight the health benefits of staying sober. It has been hugely successfully with the charity reporting that participation in Dry January has leapt from 4,350 people in 2013 to as many as 5 million people in 2017. People who sign up can raise money for charity, with a number of charities promoting Dry January, including Cancer Research's Dryathlon. The aim, of course, is to promote a change in social behaviour, encouraging drinkers to make moderation a habit. With such large numbers of people giving Dry January a go, it certainly appears as though a shift in attitudes towards personal wellbeing underway. Check out our water solutions now! The effects of excessive alcohol consumption This is much needed, with alcohol-related admissions and illness costing the NHS £3.5bn each year. Excessive alcohol use can contribute to a number of illnesses including: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and some cancers. Drinking alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can result in tiredness and lethargy that inhibits efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Indeed Alcohol Concern highlight the major immediate benefits of giving up alcohol as getting a better night's sleep leading to higher energy levels, losing weight and saving money. Filtered water - the obvious choice The question is what to drink instead. Water is the obvious choice - it hydrates the body, helps to flush out toxins and contains no calories or sugar. In taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle drinking more water is an easy option. When your body is properly hydrated you will feel full of energy and more able to make the best choices for your wellbeing. Rather than opting for a sugary alternative to alcohol, a glass of filtered water will tackle your thirst and boost your wellbeing without adding to your calorie intake. For January say goodbye to the booze and embrace the natural benefits of filtered water. Check out our water solutions now!
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Season's Greetings from Doulton Water Filters
The team at Doulton Water Filters would like to extend our season's greetings to all of our customers and friends around the world. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy and prosperous New Year. As in previous years, rather than sending greetings cards to relay our best wishes, we have conveyed those sentiments to you in an email and the money that would have been spent on cards and postage will be donated to charity. This year Doulton Water Filters is proud to be supporting The Douglas Macmillan Hospice. The Douglas Macmillan Hospice (the "˜DougieMac" as it is known) cares for adults with a palliative or end of life diagnosis across North Staffordshire. The hospice relies on voluntary donations and some statutory funding to meet all running and development costs. Its ability to meet the needs of the community it serves is very dependent on the support of local people, groups, businesses and organisations. DougieMac provides care and support free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for those people living with cancer and non-cancer life limiting illnesses, such as advanced heart failure and motor neurone disease. The hospice always strives to go that extra mile to provide a warm, friendly and peaceful environment either at the hospice or in a family's own home. The team of dedicated staff and volunteers are central to the care provided; promoting choice, independence, dignity and an individual journey.
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Celebrating Christmas With Alcohol? How To Avoid Dehydration...
Christmas and the New Year are a time for celebration - and this usually involves alcohol. The work's do, nights out with friends, the corks popping on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, even an evening tipple in front of the television - alcohol plays a big part in the festive season. If you're not careful though all that temptation can take its toll - in particular your body could become dehydrated leaving you feeling fatigued and under the weather. In fact, dehydration is the main reason why you will find yourself suffering from a hangover. Check out our water solutions now! Why does alcohol cause dehydration? Alcohol is a diuretic so it acts to remove water from the body, which results in more frequent trips to the toilet. Obviously the more alcohol consumed the greater this effect is. This is not so much of a problem if that fluid is replaced, which is why also drinking water during a night out is so important. Think of the hangover - that raging headache is your body telling you that you are dehydrated. Forget supplements, colour coding drinks and co-ordinating "the grape and the grain", the solution is simple - alternate each drink with a glass of water. At the very least sip water throughout the evening and have a glass of water before going to bed to lessen the effects of dehydration. Topping up with water will help to counteract the diuretic effect of the alcohol and keep your body hydrated. Why water? Water is easy to drink, free from calories and is also the healthiest, most effective way to avoid dehydration. Non-alcoholic fizzy drinks will not have the same effect, despite your best intentions. As the NHS points out fizzy drinks increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed by the body making you more intoxicated, so sticking to filtered water is the best option. Should the occasion get the better of you and a hangover greet you the morning after, filtered water will once again be your best friend and will help to rehydrate your body. When enjoying the festive season make sure to always have a glass of filtered water at hand to keep hangovers at bay. Check out our water solutions now!
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Dehydration: 101 Guide On How It Affects Your Health
Warnings about dehydration go hand-in-hand with health advice but why exactly is it so important to wellbeing? Water really is the elixir of life - the body can survive much longer without food than without water. It is water that keeps our bodies functioning While dehydration can itself felt even in the early stages if it becomes severe there is a risk it could prove fatal. Check out our water solutions now! Why is dehydration so dangerous? Fluids help the blood to move around the body taking oxygen to vital organs. When the body becomes severely dehydrated it can cause low blood pressure, removing the body’s ability to adequately move blood around. If the vital organs do not receive enough oxygen they begin to fail Serious problems also arise when dehydration upsets the levels of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and calcium. Water is essential to maintain the correct levels of electrolytes, which send signals to cells around the body to control functions such as muscle movement and temperature control. If the levels are disrupted and incorrect signals sent this can cause heart arrhythmia, seizures, or a coma. What causes dehydration? Dehydration is caused when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This is usually through people not drinking water frequently enough or rapidly losing fluids through sickness and diarrhoea. Some people are more susceptible to suffering from dehydration. These include: The elderly - who may not be aware they need to drink more water The young - water makes up more of their body and they may also not always be able to say that they are thirsty. People suffering from conditions are also more likely to become dehydrated as are people taking medications that can cause dehydration as a side effect. Exercise and hot weather can also speed up the loss of fluid from the body and need to be accounted for by drinking more water. Signs of dehydration Fatigue Thirst/ dry mouth Dark urine and going to the toilet less frequently Dizziness Headache More serious symptoms include: Feeling confused Weak or rapid pulse Lasting dizziness Treatment for dehydration Caught early enough dehydration can be treated by drinking adequate levels of water. Taking an oral rehydration solution will also help to rebalance electrolytes. In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to seek urgent medical help as the patient will quite possibly need to be given fluids intravenously. Drink water to beat dehydration Of course, where possible, it is best to take steps to ensure you remain hydrated. If you enjoy exercising stay hydrated throughout the week when you feel the signs of dehydration that means it has already become an issue, topping up fluids regularly is the best way to avoid that. Likewise, make drinking filtered water regularly a part of your routine so your body remains well hydrated. When suffering from a stomach bug it is harder to stay hydrated but sipping fluids frequently can help. Regularly drinking filtered water is a simple way to help protect your body from dehydration. Check out our water solutions now!
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The Important Relationship Between Diabetes and Water: How...
We're all aware of the importance of adequate hydration for our mental and physical wellbeing. That's beyond all doubt. But does an optimal intake of water have extra significance for those who have diabetes? How might drinking water affect diabetics, and what provisions can diabetic people take to ensure a perfect level of fluid intake for their health? Let's explore some of the key questions diabetes sufferers might have on the topic of water and hydration. Why is hydration important for diabetes? Due to the nature of their condition, those with diabetes are more susceptible to suffering from dehydration and its debilitating effects. Glucose levels in the body are moderated with a hormone called insulin. In people with diabetes, there is a lack of this hormone, or an inability to respond to the hormone. In people with Type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin production. In Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but is unable to properly utilise or respond to the insulin. Without the ability to make use of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, diabetics are prone to seeing excessive levels of glucose in the body. When there is too much glucose in the body, water is drawn out. Your kidneys begin to work hard trying to get rid of this glucose by producing more urine, causing you to need to pee more. As you're losing lots of fluid, this causes excessive thirst. Becoming thirsty more often than usual is called polydipsia and is a hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes; urinating more frequently than normal is called polyuria. The dehydration that comes about because of excessive urination can further elevate blood sugar levels, producing a vicious cycle, placing those with diabetes at risk of further dehydration. This can cause all the typical symptoms, including a headache, dizziness, tiredness, low blood pressure and confusion. Left unmanaged, this dehydration can lead to serious health problems including retinopathy, kidney failure, an increased risk of heart disease and even nerve damage. This makes it all the more important that those managing diabetes regulate their condition by taking on enough of the right kind of fluids, as well as taking steps to control blood sugar levels. Drinking water helps to rehydrate the blood when the body is shedding glucose through urine. Drinking water and diabetes Let's explore more about water and its importance for those who are diabetic. What can diabetics drink? There's no getting away from it, the best drink for diabetics is water. Drinking water regularly helps to maintain hydration, as well as being good for general wellbeing and health. With no sugar, calories or carbohydrates, water is the ideal choice of drink for diabetics. Most fizzy drinks and energy drinks are packed with sugar, bringing no nutritional value to the body. Beware, too, of sugar-filled fruit juices. Indeed, Diabetes UK says that such drinks should only be used to treat "hypos" - hypoglycaemia: when the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low. There's nothing wrong with coffees and teas, but beware of adding sugar. Whilst water should be the bedrock of your hydration routine, a glass of milk after sport is also a sound choice. In the case of people who have been warned they are pre-diabetic, taking swift action to swap drinks laden with sugar and sweeteners for filtered water is an easy but important step to take control of their lifestyle and future health. For those diabetics who struggle to keep their fluid intake up, it might be useful to invest in a portable water filter bottle. Having fresh filtered drinking water on tap can also help you keep your fluids topped up, preventing you from reaching for a less-than-healthy alternative. Check out our water solutions now! What about diet sodas and artificially sweetened drinks? A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed over 66,000 women for 14 years, tracking their consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks (regular fizzy drinks), as well as artificially-sweetened (diet) drinks. Although the authors noted the limitations of their study, they found that both sugary and diet drinks were associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. As far as research tells us, water is the best choice for those managing diabetes, by far. How much water should a diabetic drink? In order to guard against symptoms of high blood sugar, adequate intake of water by diabetics is essential. According to the European Food Safety Authority, water should be consumed continuously throughout the day, with the aim of taking on board: Men - 2 litres per day Women - 1.6 litres per day Does drinking water flush out sugar? As we discussed, for diabetic people, hydration takes on extra significance. When a problem with blood sugar has been flagged up, drinking water will help the kidneys to flush out excess glucose as part of a lifestyle management program. Will drinking water lower my blood sugar levels? For diabetics, drinking water can help to reduce your blood sugar (glucose) levels by diluting the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Adequate intake of water also helps to alleviate the dehydration that comes with excess urination caused by high glucose levels, a mechanism we explain earlier. Interestingly, a few years ago, leading research found that those with low water intake had a higher risk of developing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and subsequent diabetes - so there's even evidence to suggest that good water intake can prevent diabetes. The study found that the hormone vasopressin, which rises when diabetes-related dehydration is experienced, can be reduced by taking on water. Water temperature and blood sugar Can cold water lower blood sugar? The temperature of your drinking water has little-to-no bearing on the lowering of blood sugar, apart from the fact it might be more tasty to drink cooler water - therefore making it easier to meet your hydration requirements! Does drinking water spike insulin? Insulin spikes are typically caused by the consumption of refined, high-carb, added-sugar foods and drinks - not drinking water. The culprits are most often white rice, bread, pasta and high-sugar cereals, yoghurts and processed baked goods. Drinking water does not lead to a spike in insulin. Take your family's water to the next level If you're diabetic, optimal hydration is essential. As you may be aware, ordinary tap water can contain a range of contaminants that can affect its taste, scent and appearance. At Doulton®, we've got nearly 200 years of history and experience when it comes to water. All of our water filtration products incorporate cutting-edge ceramic technology, ensuring you have on-tap access to the cleanest, best-tasting water possible. So, why not commit to excellence as part of your diabetic lifestyle? Improve the look, odour and taste of your tap water by exploring the Doulton® product range. Check out our water solutions now!
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